What is Mega Altaria in Pokémon GO?
Mega Altaria appears in Mega Raids and rewards players with Mega Energy after defeat. Winning the raid also gives you a chance to catch Altaria along with bonus rewards such as Rare Candy, Golden Razz Berries, and TMs.
Unlike many Dragon-type raid bosses, Mega Altaria uses the unusual Dragon/Fairy typing. That combination changes the battle completely because Dragon attackers become far less reliable here.
Why Players Raid Mega Altaria
Mega Altaria is not the strongest Mega Pokémon in raw damage output, but it still has value because of its typing, PvP usefulness, and Mega bonuses.
- Dragon/Fairy typing gives it several useful resistances
- Provides Dragon and Fairy Mega boosts during raids
- Useful for Mega Pokédex progress and Mega Energy farming
- Shiny Altaria is popular among collectors
Mega Altaria in PvP
Altaria has always been a solid PvP Pokémon because of its bulk and consistent Dragon Breath pressure. Its Mega form cannot be used in standard GO Battle League formats, but regular Altaria still performs well in limited cups like:
- Fantasy Cup
- Love Cup
- Dragon-themed formats
Even experienced players respect Altaria because it can slowly wear teams down if left unchecked.
Raid Difficulty
Mega Altaria is usually considered a moderate Mega Raid. The fight is more about endurance than heavy burst damage.
- Steel-type counters perform extremely well here
- Its moveset is fairly predictable
- The raid becomes much easier with powered-up counters
The biggest issue is Mega Altaria’s bulk. It survives longer than many players expect, especially when your group lacks strong Steel attackers like Metagross.
Moonblast can also punish Dragon teams very quickly, while Dragon Breath applies constant pressure throughout the battle.
Recommended Group Size
| Players | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Solo | Not Recommended |
| Duo | Very Difficult |
| 3 Players | Manageable with strong counters |
| 4-6 Players | Comfortable |
Best Counters: Mega Glalie, Mamoswine, Avalugg
Tip: Use Ice-type moves for maximum damage
Raid Strategy
Focus on Ice-type attackers. Dodge charged moves to survive longer.
Best Moves
Avalanche, Powder Snow, Ice Fang are highly effective.
Weather Boost
Windy weather boosts Dragon and Flying types. Cloudy weather boosts Fairy-types and Fighting-type.
Mega Altaria Moveset Guide
Mega Altaria is mostly known for its PvP utility rather than raid damage. Its moveset focuses more on steady pressure and survivability instead of pure offensive power.
Fast Moves
| Move | Type | Damage | Energy Gain | DPS | EPT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Breath | Dragon | Low | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Main PvP move with excellent pressure |
| Peck | Flying | Low | Average | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Rarely worth using |
Dragon Breath is the reason Altaria feels so annoying in PvP battles. Even though the individual hits are small, the move applies nonstop chip damage while charging energy surprisingly fast.
Peck does not really compete here. Most players immediately switch to Dragon Breath because the overall performance difference is very noticeable.
Charged Moves
| Move | Type | Damage | Energy | DPS | PvP Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Attack | Flying | Medium | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast and reliable shield pressure |
| Moonblast | Fairy | High | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong Fairy coverage with debuff chance |
| Dazzling Gleam | Fairy | High | High | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Heavy damage but slower to reach |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Medium | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Usually overshadowed by Moonblast |
Sky Attack is usually the preferred charged move because it is quick, efficient, and easy to pressure shields with.
Moonblast gives Mega Altaria much stronger Fairy-type damage and can occasionally reduce the opponent’s Attack stat, which sometimes flips longer PvP matchups.
Dazzling Gleam hits hard in raids but feels slower during PvP battles. Dragon Pulse is usable, although most trainers prefer Fairy coverage instead.
Mega Altaria Raid Boss Moves
When fighting Mega Altaria in raids, the moveset can change how difficult the battle feels. Fairy-type charged moves are usually the most dangerous because they punish Dragon attackers very quickly.
Fast Moves
| Move | Type | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Breath | Dragon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Peck | Flying | ⭐⭐ |
Charged Moves
| Move | Type | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Moonblast | Fairy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sky Attack | Flying | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dazzling Gleam | Fairy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Most Dangerous Movesets
| Moveset | Why It Can Be Problematic |
|---|---|
| Dragon Breath + Moonblast | Constant pressure combined with heavy Fairy damage |
| Dragon Breath + Dazzling Gleam | Can heavily punish Dragon-type counters |
| Dragon Breath + Sky Attack | Steady damage output throughout the raid |
If Mega Altaria is using Moonblast, Steel-type counters become even more valuable because they resist Fairy attacks while still dealing strong damage back.
Mega Altaria PvP, PvE, Raid & Gym Analysis
Mega Altaria is one of the more unusual Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO because it focuses more on survivability and team support than raw damage output. Its Dragon/Fairy typing gives it several useful resistances and allows it to perform well in certain PvP formats.
Mega Altaria in PvP
Regular Altaria has been a longtime PvP favorite thanks to its bulk, typing, and Dragon Breath pressure. While Mega Altaria is not allowed in most GO Battle League formats, its overall battle style remains very similar.
It performs best as a bulky pressure Pokémon that slowly wears opponents down while resisting many common attack types.
Great League Performance
Altaria remains one of the strongest Dragon-type options in Great League because Dragon/Fairy coverage is difficult to handle without Steel or Poison counters.
It performs especially well against:
- Dragon-type Pokémon
- Dark-type Pokémon
- Fighting-type Pokémon
Its defensive typing also gives it useful resistances against Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Dark, and Fighting attacks.
Steel-types are still the biggest problem for Altaria. Pokémon like Metagross can completely shut it down if shields are unavailable.
Ice-type fast attacks can also become dangerous because Altaria takes super effective damage while relying heavily on bulk to survive.
Master League
Altaria is less common in Master League because stronger Dragon Pokémon usually dominate the format. However, its typing still allows it to function as a niche anti-Dragon pick in some matchups.
It can pressure Pokémon that rely too heavily on Dragon damage while also threatening Fighting-type teams.
Best PvP Cups for Altaria
Dragon Cup
Altaria becomes extremely dangerous in Dragon-focused formats because Fairy typing gives it a massive advantage over most opposing Dragons.
Fantasy Cup
Its resistances and steady Dragon Breath pressure make it one of the safer picks in Fantasy Cup teams.
Love Cup & Limited Formats
Altaria usually stays relevant whenever Fighting-types or Dragon-types are common in the meta.
PvE Performance
Mega Altaria is not considered a top-tier raid attacker. Its lower Attack stat makes it noticeably slower than stronger Dragon or Fairy Megas.
Pokémon like Mega Rayquaza, Mega Salamence, and Mega Gardevoir generally outperform it in raw raid damage.
Because of this, Mega Altaria is used more for utility and Mega bonuses rather than fast raid clears.
Raid Utility
Mega Altaria works best as a support Mega during group raids.
- Boosts Dragon-type attacks for teammates
- Boosts Fairy-type attacks for teammates
- Provides decent survivability during longer battles
It becomes more useful when your raid group is heavily focused on Dragon or Fairy attackers.
Gym Performance
As a Gym Defender
Altaria can be annoying to remove from gyms because of its bulk and defensive typing.
It performs well against:
- Dragon attackers
- Fighting attackers
Steel-types remain its biggest weakness, especially strong attackers like Metagross.
Ice attackers can also remove Altaria fairly quickly if left unchecked.
As a Gym Attacker
Mega Altaria is usually not the best choice for attacking gyms because its damage output is relatively low compared to more offensive Mega Pokémon.
Stat Breakdown
- Attack: Average
- Defense: High
- Stamina: High
Its stats are designed more around consistency and survivability rather than burst damage.
How Mega Altaria Compares to Other Megas
Mega Altaria stands out because of its defensive utility and support value.
However, it falls behind stronger offensive Megas when pure raid damage is the priority.
- Mega Rayquaza offers much higher Dragon-type damage
- Mega Salamence is stronger offensively
- Mega Gardevoir performs better as a Fairy attacker
Final Thoughts
Mega Altaria is more of a utility Mega than a raid damage monster. It shines in PvP-related formats, defensive situations, and coordinated raid groups that benefit from Fairy or Dragon Mega boosts.
If you mainly care about speed-clearing raids, there are stronger options available. But for PvP players, collectors, and support-focused raid teams, Mega Altaria still has solid value.
Mega Altaria Raid Strategy Guide
Mega Altaria is more of an endurance raid than a high-pressure damage race. Its bulk can make the fight feel slower than expected, especially for smaller groups without strong Steel-type attackers.
The raid becomes much easier once players start coordinating Mega boosts and using proper counters instead of relying on random Dragon teams.
Can Mega Altaria Be Soloed?
For most players, soloing Mega Altaria is not realistic.
Its high defensive stats combined with the raid timer make solo attempts extremely difficult, even with top-tier counters.
A successful solo attempt would usually require:
- Level 50 counters
- Optimized IVs and movesets
- Strong weather boost conditions
- Perfect Mega Evolution support
- Minimal relobby time
Even experienced challenge raiders generally prefer duo or trio runs instead.
Duo Strategy
A duo clear is possible with strong preparation and coordinated teams.
Both players should ideally use high-level Steel or Ice attackers backed by Mega boosts.
- Steel-types are the safest overall option
- Ice-types deal heavy damage but faint faster
- Moonblast becomes dangerous for Dragon attackers
Dodging charged moves can make a huge difference in close duo attempts, especially against Moonblast sets.
Trio Strategy
Three players is usually the most comfortable small-group setup for Mega Altaria.
At this point, the raid becomes much more consistent and less dependent on perfect dodging.
A balanced trio team often works best:
- One player runs a Mega support Pokémon
- Other players focus on maximum damage output
- Steel attackers remain the most reliable choice
Most organized trios should finish comfortably if counters are properly powered up.
4–6 Player Groups
This is the easiest and most common raid setup.
With four or more trainers using decent counters, Mega Altaria usually goes down without much trouble.
- Steel-types provide stable damage and survivability
- Ice-types help speed up the clear time
- Mega boosts improve the entire group’s performance
At this group size, perfect optimization is not really necessary.
Beginner Raid Tips
If you are newer to raids, focus more on surviving than maximizing damage.
- Auto-recommended teams are acceptable early on
- Steel Pokémon are generally safer than Dragons
- Try dodging charged moves when possible
Many beginners make the mistake of bringing Dragon attackers against Mega Altaria. Because of its Fairy typing, those Pokémon can faint very quickly.
Intermediate Player Strategy
Once you start building stronger raid teams, proper counter selection becomes more important.
- Prioritize Steel attackers first
- Use Ice attackers for higher DPS
- Learn to dodge Moonblast consistently
- Bring a Mega Pokémon whenever possible
This is usually the stage where raid completion times improve noticeably.
Advanced & Expert Strategies
Experienced players often focus on efficiency, speed clears, and short-man challenges.
Advanced raid groups typically:
- Coordinate Mega Evolutions carefully
- Use pre-built battle parties
- Relobby quickly after fainting
- Optimize weather boosts and friendship bonuses
Expert players also tend to dodge only charged attacks instead of every incoming move, which helps maintain higher overall damage output.
Glass-cannon Ice attackers can produce very fast clear times, although they require better timing and team coordination.
General Raid Advice
Moonblast is usually the most threatening charged move because it heavily punishes Dragon-type counters.
Dragon Breath can also wear teams down surprisingly fast during longer battles.
For most players, Steel-type Pokémon remain the safest overall strategy because they resist Fairy attacks while still dealing strong damage.
Ice attackers are excellent for raw DPS, but they are noticeably less durable during extended fights.
Mega Altaria Counters Guide
Mega Altaria can be surprisingly awkward to counter because of its Dragon/Fairy typing. Many players instinctively bring Dragon attackers into Dragon raids, but that strategy usually backfires here because Fairy moves can hit Dragons extremely hard.
Steel-types are generally the safest and most consistent counters, while Ice-types offer faster clear times at the cost of survivability.
Best Overall Counters
These Pokémon combine strong damage output with reliable performance during longer raid battles:
- Metagross (Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash)
- Dialga (Metal Claw + Iron Head)
- Mamoswine (Powder Snow + Avalanche)
- Galarian Darmanitan (Ice Fang + Avalanche)
- Excadrill (Metal Claw + Iron Head)
- Gengar (Lick + Sludge Bomb)
Metagross is usually considered the safest overall counter because it resists Fairy attacks while still dealing heavy Steel-type damage back.
Dialga performs well for similar reasons and tends to survive comfortably during most Mega Altaria movesets.
Ice attackers like Mamoswine and Galarian Darmanitan can produce very high DPS, although they faint much faster if Mega Altaria is using strong charged moves.
Gengar works surprisingly well with Sludge Bomb, but its low bulk makes dodging more important.
Best Mega Counters
Using a Mega Evolution helps the entire raid group by boosting teammate damage.
- Mega Gardevoir – strong Fairy support
- Mega Beedrill – boosts Poison attackers
- Mega Glalie – powerful Ice support option
- Mega Aggron – durable Steel-type Mega
Even one active Mega Evolution can noticeably speed up raid completion times in smaller groups.
Ice-Type Counters
Ice-types usually produce the fastest clear times against Mega Altaria.
- Mamoswine
- Weavile
- Glaceon
Because Mega Altaria is still part Dragon-type, strong Ice attacks hit extremely hard.
The downside is survivability. Most Ice attackers are fairly fragile and can disappear quickly against repeated charged moves.
Steel-Type Counters
Steel-types are widely considered the safest option for this raid.
- Metagross
- Excadrill
- Dialga
Steel Pokémon resist Fairy attacks like Moonblast while maintaining strong offensive pressure throughout the battle.
If you are unsure which counters to build, Steel-types are usually the best long-term investment for Mega Altaria raids.
Poison-Type Counters
Poison attackers can work well because Fairy is weak to Poison damage.
- Gengar
- Roserade
These counters are more aggressive but noticeably less durable than Steel-types.
Dodging becomes much more important when using glass-cannon Poison attackers.
Fairy-Type Counters
Fairy attackers are usable, although they are generally less efficient than Steel or Ice teams.
- Togekiss
- Gardevoir
Fairy damage still helps against Mega Altaria’s Dragon typing, but the Fairy side of its typing reduces overall effectiveness compared to stronger counter types.
Counter Type Comparison
| Type | DPS | Bulk | Reliability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Fast clears and speed-focused raids |
| Steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High | Safe and consistent raid teams |
| Poison | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Extra DPS with proper dodging |
| Fairy | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Situational or backup option |
What You Should Avoid
Dragon-type attackers are usually a bad idea here because Moonblast and other Fairy attacks can eliminate them very quickly.
Fighting and Dark Pokémon also struggle because Mega Altaria resists those typings naturally.
For most raid groups, sticking with Steel-types remains the most reliable overall strategy.
Shiny Mega Altaria Comparison
Shiny Mega Altaria is one of the more recognizable shiny Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO because the color difference is immediately noticeable during raids and gym battles.
Unlike some shinies that only change slightly, Altaria’s shiny form shifts from its usual blue colors into softer golden and pink tones.
Normal vs Shiny Altaria
Normal Altaria
- Blue body with large white cloud-like wings
- Clean sky-themed appearance
- Soft and calm overall design
Shiny Altaria
- Blue body changes into a golden-yellow color
- Cloud wings gain a warmer pink tint
- The shiny form stands out clearly during battles
Shiny Mega Altaria Appearance
After Mega Evolution, the shiny version becomes even more noticeable because the pink and golden colors blend with Mega Altaria’s larger cloud wings and Fairy-style design.
Many collectors consider it one of the cleaner-looking shiny Dragon Pokémon currently available in Pokémon GO.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Normal | Shiny |
|---|---|---|
| Body Color | Blue | Golden Yellow |
| Wing Tone | White Clouds | Pink-Tinted Clouds |
| Mega Appearance | Soft Blue Theme | Warmer Pink & Gold Theme |
| Availability | Common | Rare |
Does the Shiny Form Change Performance?
The shiny version is purely cosmetic.
- No difference in stats
- No gameplay advantage
- No extra battle damage
The main value comes from rarity, collection status, and visual appeal.
Important Raid Catch Detail
If you encounter a shiny Altaria after defeating the raid boss, the catch is guaranteed as long as the Poké Ball lands successfully.
Because of this, most players use Pinap Berries instead of Golden Razz Berries when a shiny appears.
Why Collectors Like Shiny Mega Altaria
- Very noticeable shiny color change
- Popular Mega Evolution design
- Strong collector value in raids and gyms
- Recognizable during PvP and showcase events
Swablu
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Shiny Swablu
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Altaria
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Shiny Altaria
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Mega Altaria
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Shiny Mega Altaria
Images are used for informational and educational purposes only. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Mega Altaria Evolution Line & Buddy Distance
Altaria has one of the more expensive evolutions in Pokémon GO because evolving Swablu requires a huge amount of candy. Because of that, many players rely heavily on the buddy system and event bonuses while preparing for Mega Altaria.
Evolution Line
Swablu
Swablu is the first stage in the evolution line.
- Type: Normal / Flying
- Frequently featured during weather and event spawns
- Known for its very high evolution cost
Altaria
Altaria evolves from Swablu and becomes much more useful in PvP formats thanks to its bulk and Dragon typing.
- Type: Dragon / Flying
- Strong Great League PvP option
- Required before Mega Evolution becomes available
Evolution requirement:
- 400 Swablu Candy
Mega Altaria
Mega Altaria is a temporary Mega Evolution rather than a permanent form.
- Type changes to Dragon / Fairy
- Provides Dragon and Fairy Mega bonuses during raids
- Activated using Mega Energy
Buddy Distance
Swablu and Altaria only require 1 km per candy as a buddy Pokémon, which makes them one of the easier long-term candy farms in the game.
- Buddy distance: 1 km
- Applies to both Swablu and Altaria
That short distance helps offset the massive 400-candy evolution requirement over time.
Why Walking Swablu Helps So Much
Many trainers underestimate how useful the buddy system is for this evolution line.
- Free candy while walking normally
- Makes the 400-candy grind much easier
- Helpful during events with increased Swablu spawns
Even casual walking can add up surprisingly quickly because of the low 1 km requirement.
Using Mega Evolutions for Extra Candy
Running an active Mega Pokémon with matching types can increase candy gains during events and catch sessions.
Useful examples include:
- Mega Gardevoir for Fairy-type bonuses
- Mega Salamence for Dragon-type bonuses
This becomes especially effective during Community Days or boosted spawn events.
Best Candy Farming Strategy
The fastest way to build enough candy for Altaria usually combines multiple methods together:
- Use Pinap Berries during catches
- Keep Swablu as your active buddy
- Use matching Mega Evolutions during events
- Take advantage of weather boosts and spotlight hours
Players who combine all of these methods can reach the 400-candy requirement much faster than expected.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the buddy system and relying only on catches
- Forgetting to use Pinap Berries during events
- Using random buddies instead of efficient 1 km candy Pokémon
Because Altaria is so candy-expensive, small efficiency mistakes add up over time.
Best Mega-Evolved Pokémon Against Mega Altaria
Choosing the right Mega Evolution during a Mega Altaria raid is not only about your personal damage output. A good Mega also improves the entire raid group by boosting matching attack types for teammates.
Because Mega Altaria is both Dragon and Fairy-type, the best Mega counters usually come from Steel, Ice, or Poison categories.
What Makes a Good Mega Counter?
The strongest Mega choices generally do three things well:
- Deal super effective damage consistently
- Stay alive long enough to maintain the Mega boost
- Support teammates using similar attack types
Steel-Type Megas
Steel Megas are usually the safest and most reliable option against Mega Altaria.
- Mega Metagross
- Mega Aggron
Steel-types resist both Dragon Breath and Fairy attacks like Moonblast, which helps them remain active on the field longer than many other counters.
Mega Aggron is especially useful for players who prefer stability and survivability over risky high-DPS setups.
Ice-Type Megas
Ice-type Megas can produce extremely fast raid clears because Dragon Pokémon are naturally weak to Ice damage.
- Mega Glalie
- Mega Abomasnow
These Megas are ideal for aggressive raid groups trying to maximize damage output quickly.
The main drawback is survivability. Ice-types tend to faint much faster during longer fights, especially against stronger charged moves.
Poison-Type Megas
Poison Megas are more specialized but still effective because Fairy typing is weak to Poison damage.
- Mega Beedrill
Mega Beedrill can deal strong damage, although its low defensive stats make dodging much more important.
This option is usually better suited for experienced players comfortable with glass-cannon raid teams.
Fairy-Type Megas
Fairy Megas are less focused on raw counter damage and more useful for supporting teammates running Fairy attackers.
- Mega Gardevoir
Mega Gardevoir performs reasonably well overall and provides strong Fairy-type team boosts during coordinated raids.
However, it does not pressure Mega Altaria as efficiently as Steel or Ice-focused Megas.
Mega Counter Comparison
| Mega Type | Damage | Bulk | Team Support | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Reliable and consistent raids |
| Ice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast clears and high DPS teams |
| Poison | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Aggressive damage-focused setups |
| Fairy | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Team-oriented Fairy support |
Common Mistakes
- Using random Megas that provide no useful team boosts
- Relying entirely on fragile Ice teams without backup counters
- Ignoring Mega support completely in smaller raid groups
Even a single properly chosen Mega Evolution can noticeably improve overall raid speed for the entire lobby.
Final Thoughts
For most players, Steel-type Megas remain the safest overall choice because they combine strong survivability with reliable damage.
Ice Megas are better suited for fast clears and experienced raid groups, while Mega Gardevoir works well as a support-focused option in coordinated teams.
How to Boost Candy When Catching Mega Altaria
Many players focus only on defeating the raid boss, but the Pokémon you Mega Evolve beforehand can also increase the candy you receive after the catch.
Because Altaria is a Dragon and Fairy-type Pokémon, using a matching Mega Evolution gives bonus candy and can also improve XL Candy chances at higher Mega levels.
Best Mega Pokémon for Extra Candy
Dragon and Fairy-type Megas both work for Altaria catches.
Dragon-Type Mega Options
- Mega Rayquaza
- Mega Salamence
- Mega Latios
These are useful if you are focusing more on Dragon-type candy bonuses across multiple catches or event spawns.
Fairy-Type Mega Options
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Diancie
Fairy-type Megas are especially useful because they also perform well during the raid itself while still providing catch bonuses afterward.
Best Overall Choice
For most players, Mega Gardevoir is usually the most balanced option.
- Provides Fairy-type raid support
- Boosts candy gains after the catch
- Helps teammates using Fairy attackers
- Useful both offensively and as support
This makes it one of the most efficient all-around Megas to use during Mega Altaria raids.
Candy Bonus Example
| Scenario | Estimated Candy |
|---|---|
| No active Mega Evolution | 3–6 Candy |
| Matching Mega active | 4–7+ Candy |
| Matching Mega + Pinap Berry | 7–12+ Candy |
Important Things Players Forget
- The Mega Evolution must already be active before the catch screen appears
- Using unrelated Megas gives no useful catch bonus for Altaria
- Higher Mega Levels improve XL Candy chances over time
A lot of players forget to Mega Evolve before joining the raid lobby and miss out on extra rewards completely.
Extra Tip
Combining a matching Mega Evolution with Pinap Berries is one of the fastest ways to build candy for expensive Pokémon like Altaria, especially during raid events or boosted spawn periods.
Mega Altaria Weaknesses & Best Counter Types
Mega Altaria has one of the more unusual typings in Pokémon GO because it combines both Dragon and Fairy types.
That combination changes many normal Dragon matchups and makes Steel-type attackers especially valuable during raids and PvP battles.
Typing Breakdown
- Type: Dragon / Fairy
Because of its Fairy typing, Mega Altaria no longer fears Dragon attacks the same way most Dragon Pokémon do.
Instead, Steel becomes its most reliable and consistent weakness.
Steel-Type Weakness
| Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Steel | Super Effective |
Steel-types are usually the safest counters against Mega Altaria because they resist many of its common attacks while still dealing strong super effective damage.
This is especially important against moves like Moonblast and Dragon Breath.
Strong examples include:
- Metagross
- Excadrill
- Dialga
Metagross is often considered the most dependable overall option because of its balance between survivability and damage output.
Poison-Type Weakness
| Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Poison | Super Effective |
Poison attacks also work well because Fairy Pokémon are weak to Poison damage.
However, many Poison attackers are noticeably less durable than Steel-types during longer raid fights.
Examples include:
- Gengar
- Roserade
These Pokémon can deal strong damage quickly, although they usually require better dodging and timing.
Ice-Type Pressure
| Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Ice | Strong against Dragon typing |
Ice-types are slightly different because they mainly target Mega Altaria’s Dragon side.
This allows Ice attackers to produce very high DPS and fast clear times during raids.
Popular choices include:
- Mamoswine
- Weavile
The tradeoff is survivability. Most Ice attackers are fairly fragile and tend to faint faster than Steel-types.
Best Practical Strategy
For most raid groups, a combination of Steel and Ice attackers works best.
- Steel-types provide consistency and survivability
- Ice-types help increase overall raid speed
- Poison-types work as more specialized damage options
This balance is especially useful in smaller groups where staying alive matters just as much as raw DPS.
PvP Weaknesses
In PvP formats, Steel-types remain Mega Altaria’s biggest problem because they resist Fairy damage while threatening heavy counter damage in return.
Poison Pokémon can also pressure Altaria effectively, although they are less common in many PvP formats.
Dragon attackers generally struggle here because Fairy typing resists Dragon moves naturally.
Weakness Summary
| Type | Role | Overall Value |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Most reliable counter type | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ice | Highest raid DPS potential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Poison | Situational offensive option | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Mega Altaria Resistances & Defensive Strengths
Mega Altaria has a very unusual defensive profile thanks to its Dragon and Fairy typing combination.
This gives it several useful resistances and makes it especially strong against many common Dragon-focused teams in both raids and PvP.
Typing Overview
- Type: Dragon / Fairy
The Fairy typing removes Mega Altaria’s normal weakness to Dragon attacks, which is one of the biggest reasons it performs so well in Dragon-heavy matchups.
Main Resistances
| Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Fire | Dragon typing resists Fire attacks |
| Water | Dragon typing resists Water attacks |
| Grass | Dragon typing resists Grass attacks |
| Electric | Dragon typing resists Electric attacks |
| Bug | Fairy typing resists Bug attacks |
| Dark | Fairy typing resists Dark attacks |
| Fighting | Fairy typing resists Fighting attacks |
| Dragon | Fairy typing heavily reduces Dragon damage |
Why Dragon Resistance Matters
Most Dragon Pokémon struggle against other Dragons because Dragon moves usually hit each other very hard.
Mega Altaria changes that completely.
Its Fairy typing allows it to absorb Dragon-type pressure much more comfortably than most Dragon Pokémon, which is why it performs so well in formats like Dragon Cup.
This also makes Dragon attackers much less effective during raids compared to Steel-type counters.
What Mega Altaria Struggles Against
Despite its strong defensive profile, Mega Altaria still has some important weaknesses:
- Steel-types are the biggest threat overall
- Poison-types can pressure it effectively
- Ice attackers still deal strong raid damage because of high DPS potential
Ice damage ends up being neutral overall because Dragon is weak to Ice while Fairy resists it.
However, powerful Ice attackers like Mamoswine can still clear raids quickly due to raw damage output.
Raid Impact
Steel-types are usually considered the safest raid counters because they combine strong damage with excellent survivability.
Many Steel Pokémon also resist Mega Altaria’s common Fairy and Dragon attacks, making raids much more consistent.
Ice-types are more aggressive options for faster clears, although they tend to faint more often.
PvP Matchups
Mega Altaria performs especially well against:
- Dragon-types
- Dark-types
- Fighting-types
- Grass-types
On the other hand, Steel Pokémon are usually its hardest matchups because they resist Fairy damage while hitting back super effectively.
Poison-types can also threaten Altaria, although they are less common in many PvP formats.
Resistance Summary
| Category | Types |
|---|---|
| Main Resistances | Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Bug, Dark, Fighting |
| Important Defensive Advantage | Dragon |
| Main Weaknesses | Steel, Poison |
| Neutral but High Raid Pressure | Ice |
Final Thoughts on Mega Altaria
Mega Altaria is a very different kind of Mega Pokémon compared to the heavy damage-focused raid attackers that usually dominate Pokémon GO.
It is not designed for fast raid clears or massive DPS numbers. Instead, its value comes from survivability, utility, and strong performance in specific PvP formats.
What Makes Mega Altaria Useful
Mega Altaria performs best as a defensive and support-oriented Mega Evolution.
- Excellent performance in several PvP Cup formats
- Useful Dragon and Fairy-type Mega boosts for raid teams
- Comfortable playstyle thanks to strong bulk
- Accessible for newer players since it does not rely on exclusive legacy moves
Its Dragon and Fairy typing also gives it some unique matchups that very few Pokémon can replicate effectively.
Raid Experience
The Mega Altaria raid is usually more about consistency than raw difficulty.
Most groups can clear it comfortably with proper counters, although the battle can feel slower than expected because of Altaria’s bulk.
Steel-type attackers are generally the safest option, while Ice-types help speed up the raid at the cost of survivability.
Where It Struggles
- Damage output is lower than many top-tier Mega attackers
- Steel-types remain difficult matchups in both raids and PvP
- Several stronger offensive Megas outclass it for pure raid damage
Because of this, players focused entirely on maximum raid efficiency may not use Mega Altaria very often outside of specialized situations.
Is Mega Altaria Worth Raiding?
For PvP-focused players, collectors, and anyone who enjoys flexible support-style Megas, Mega Altaria is definitely worth having.
It is especially valuable in limited PvP formats where its typing and bulk become much harder to deal with.
However, players who only care about the fastest raid clears or top DPS rankings will usually get more value from offensive Megas like Mega Rayquaza or Mega Gardevoir.
Overall, Mega Altaria may not be the strongest Mega attacker in Pokémon GO, but it remains one of the more unique and reliable utility-focused Mega Evolutions in the game.
Mega Altaria Catch CP Guide
After defeating Mega Altaria in a raid, the Pokémon you catch afterward will be a regular Altaria rather than its Mega form.
The CP shown on the catch screen gives a rough idea of its IV quality before appraisal.
Catch CP Values
Normal Weather
| IV Quality | CP Range |
|---|---|
| 100% IV | 2006 CP |
| Very High IV | 1950 – 2005 CP |
| Average IV | 1850 – 1949 CP |
| Lower IV | 1750 – 1849 CP |
Weather Boosted (Cloudy or Windy)
| IV Quality | CP Range |
|---|---|
| 100% IV | 2508 CP |
| Very High IV | 2430 – 2507 CP |
| Average IV | 2300 – 2429 CP |
| Lower IV | 2200 – 2299 CP |
Perfect IV CP
Players often call a perfect IV Pokémon a “hundo.”
For Mega Altaria raids, the important CP values are:
- 2006 CP in normal weather
- 2508 CP with weather boost
If you see either of these numbers after the raid, it means the Altaria has perfect IVs.
How Most Players Use CP Information
High CP catches are usually worth extra attention because they have a better chance of strong IVs.
- Use Golden Razz Berries on high-value catches
- Take your time with Excellent Throws
- Avoid rushing throws during the final catch attempts
Lower CP catches are still useful for:
- Mega Energy farming
- Candy collection
- XL Candy progress
- Trading or PvP IV hunting
Weather Boost Notes
Weather-boosted Altaria appear at a higher level, which increases their CP immediately after the raid.
They can also feel slightly harder to catch because of the higher level scaling.
Shiny Catch Rule
If the Altaria from your raid is shiny, it is guaranteed to stay in the ball as long as your throw connects.
Because of this, many players use a Pinap Berry on shiny catches to gain extra candy safely.
Quick CP Reference
| Situation | Important CP |
|---|---|
| Perfect IV (normal weather) | 2006 CP |
| Perfect IV (weather boosted) | 2508 CP |
| Very strong catch | 1950+ CP |
| Average range | 1850–1949 CP |
Weather Boost Effects for Mega Altaria Raids
Weather plays a bigger role in Pokémon GO raids than many players expect.
Depending on the in-game weather, Mega Altaria can become stronger, certain counters may perform better, and the overall raid difficulty can change quite a bit.
How Weather Boost Works
When the current in-game weather matches a Pokémon’s typing, that Pokémon receives a temporary boost.
For raid bosses, this usually means:
- Higher catch CP after the raid
- Higher encounter level
- Stronger move damage during battle
Weather can also strengthen your own raid counters if their typing matches the active conditions.
Important Weather Conditions for Mega Altaria
Cloudy Weather
Cloudy weather boosts Fairy-type moves, which directly benefits Mega Altaria.
- Moonblast becomes more threatening
- Fairy damage hits harder overall
- Longer raids can feel slightly more punishing
Poison-type counters also gain a boost in Cloudy weather, although Steel-types are still usually the safest overall option.
Windy Weather
Windy weather boosts Dragon-type attacks.
- Dragon Breath becomes noticeably stronger
- Mega Altaria deals more consistent pressure
- Dragon-type counters become even riskier to use
This weather also increases the CP of the catch encounter after the raid.
Snow Weather
Snow is generally the best weather condition for fighting Mega Altaria.
- Ice-type attackers gain a major damage boost
- Steel-type counters become even stronger
- Raid clear times become much faster
Strong Ice attackers like Mamoswine can perform especially well during Snow weather, although they still remain fairly fragile.
Other Weather Conditions
Weather like Rainy or Sunny conditions does not directly favor Mega Altaria itself.
However, some individual counters may still benefit depending on their move types and team setup.
How Weather Changes Raid Difficulty
One important thing many players overlook is that weather affects both sides of the raid battle.
- A weather-boosted boss becomes harder to defeat
- Weather-boosted counters can make raids significantly easier
Because of this, the same raid can feel completely different depending on the current weather conditions.
Weather Overview
| Weather | Effect on Mega Altaria | Effect on Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy | Boosts Fairy-type damage | Helps Poison attackers |
| Windy | Boosts Dragon-type moves | Makes Dragon counters less safe |
| Snow | No direct offensive boost | Excellent for Ice and Steel teams |
| Rainy | No major advantage | Mostly neutral impact |
In most situations, Snow weather creates the easiest Mega Altaria raids because it strengthens many of the best counter Pokémon at the same time.
Is Mega Altaria Worth Raiding?
Mega Altaria is not one of the strongest Mega attackers in Pokémon GO, but it still has solid value for the right type of player. Whether it’s worth raiding mostly depends on what you care about — PvP, collection progress, team support, or pure raid damage.
Why Players Raid Mega Altaria
The biggest reason many trainers go after Mega Altaria is its PvP usefulness. Regular Altaria has already been a strong pick in multiple limited formats, and Mega Altaria continues to perform well in cups where Dragon-, Dark-, and Fighting-type Pokémon are common.
- Very strong in Fantasy Cup
- Excellent matchup potential in Dragon Cup
- Useful in formats like Love Cup
It also works surprisingly well as a support Mega during raids. Since it boosts both Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks, it can help teammates deal more damage while staying alive longer than many offensive Megas.
Another advantage is its bulk. Mega Altaria is not easy to knock out quickly, which makes it a decent gym defender and a frustrating Pokémon to battle if the opponent is unprepared.
Why Some Players Skip It
If your only goal is maximum raid DPS, Mega Altaria probably won’t impress you.
Its damage output is noticeably lower than stronger Mega Pokémon like Mega Rayquaza, Mega Gardevoir, or Mega Salamence. In most raids, it plays more of a support role instead of acting as the main damage dealer.
It also has a major weakness to Steel-types, which are very common in both raids and PvP battles. Pokémon like Metagross can pressure it heavily if you do not have proper coverage.
Who Should Raid Mega Altaria?
Mega Altaria is worth raiding if you:
- Enjoy PvP and limited cup formats
- Want to complete your Mega Pokédex
- Prefer versatile support-style Megas
- Like collecting shiny Mega Pokémon
You can safely skip it if you:
- Mainly focus on fast raid clears
- Only power up top DPS attackers
- Already have stronger Dragon or Fairy Megas built
Overall Value
| Player Type | Rating | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| PvP Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent performance in several cup formats |
| Collectors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great Mega Pokédex and shiny value |
| Casual Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Flexible and beginner-friendly Mega |
| Raid DPS Players | ⭐⭐ | Outclassed by stronger Mega attackers |
Final Thoughts
Mega Altaria is more about utility than raw power. It may not dominate raids with huge damage numbers, but it still offers strong PvP value, useful team boosts, and long-term collection appeal.
If you enjoy PvP, Mega collecting, or support-focused gameplay, it is definitely worth adding to your roster.
Personal Raid Experience – Mega Altaria
Walking into a Mega Altaria raid doesn’t feel intimidating at first. Compared to aggressive-looking Mega bosses, Altaria appears calm and almost harmless. But once the battle begins, the raid starts feeling very different from what most players expect.
The first thing most trainers notice is how bulky the boss feels. Its HP drops slowly, and the fight quickly turns into more of an endurance battle than a fast damage race.
- It survives much longer than expected
- Damage output feels steady rather than explosive
- The timer becomes more important as the raid continues
Early Battle Feel
During the opening phase, fast moves like Dragon Breath constantly chip away at your team. The boss HP bar moves slowly, while your own Pokémon gradually lose health over time.
- Ice attackers deal noticeable damage immediately
- Steel-types feel slower but significantly safer
- Smaller groups begin noticing timer pressure early
Mid-Fight Reality
Around the middle of the raid, the battle rhythm changes. Some players begin relobbying after fainting, especially those relying heavily on fragile Ice attackers.
This is usually where team balance starts to matter:
- Full Ice teams clear faster but faint constantly
- Steel-heavy teams survive longer and maintain pressure
- Balanced teams generally perform the most consistently
In random public lobbies, this is also the stage where mistakes become noticeable. Players bringing incorrect counters or underpowered Pokémon can suddenly make the raid feel much slower.
Dangerous Moments
The most dangerous moments usually happen when Mega Altaria fires off charged attacks like Moonblast or Dazzling Gleam.
- Ice-types can disappear almost instantly
- Multiple players may need to relobby together
- Lost damage time becomes noticeable near the timer
Even experienced groups can briefly lose momentum if several attackers faint at once.
Coordination & Team Feel
In organized groups, the raid feels much smoother. Mega boosts become noticeable, damage stays consistent, and players naturally settle into different roles.
- Ice attackers focus on burst DPS
- Steel-types provide stable long-term damage
- Mega evolutions help speed up the entire raid
In random matchmaking groups, the experience can feel far less predictable. Some raids end comfortably, while others become close timer finishes despite having enough players.
Final Phase
Once Mega Altaria drops below roughly 30% HP, the pace of the raid changes again.
- Players push harder for final damage
- Dodging becomes less common
- Every faint starts costing valuable seconds
Well-built teams usually finish comfortably, but weaker groups can suddenly turn the final moments into a last-second win.
After the Raid
After the battle ends, the catch phase feels surprisingly calm compared to the raid itself.
Most players walk away with the same realization:
- The raid was not especially difficult
- It simply felt long and resource-heavy
- Mega Altaria behaves more like a marathon boss than a burst-damage boss
Unique Insight – Mega Altaria
Mega Altaria is not a pure damage Pokémon — it functions more like a tempo control Mega
Most players evaluate Megas based on raw DPS, but Mega Altaria plays a different kind of role in practice. Its impact is less about personal damage and more about how it shapes the pace of a fight.
- In raids, it contributes more through team-wide boosts than direct damage
- In PvP, it creates pressure that forces awkward shielding decisions
- In gyms and longer fights, it slows down opponents and drains resources
Its typing creates a defensive imbalance
The Dragon + Fairy typing gives Mega Altaria a unique mix of resistances, but it is not perfectly balanced in every matchup.
- Dragon typing helps it resist Fire, Water, Grass, and Electric attacks
- Fairy typing adds resistance to Fighting, Dark, and Bug moves
At the same time, this defensive profile has clear gaps:
- Steel remains a major weakness and is extremely common in raids
- Many neutral matchups prevent it from being dominant in open metas
Dragon Breath defines its PvP identity
Even though Mega Altaria is often seen as a bulky or defensive Pokémon, Dragon Breath changes how it actually plays in PvP.
- Applies constant chip damage pressure
- Builds energy quickly for charged moves
- Creates frequent shield pressure situations
This gives it a “hybrid” identity — it looks like a tank but plays with steady offensive tempo.
Its real value comes from team amplification
The Mega mechanic is where Altaria truly stands out. Its usefulness increases significantly in coordinated raid groups.
- Boosts Dragon- and Fairy-type attackers in the party
- Improves overall raid efficiency rather than individual damage
Because of this, it tends to perform better in organized groups than in random lobbies, where team composition is inconsistent.
A quiet but important role in messy raids
In uncoordinated raid groups, performance often depends on how stable the team composition is. Mega Altaria indirectly helps by smoothing out inconsistencies.
- Provides consistent team-wide boosts regardless of skill level
- Helps mixed teams deal slightly more damage overall
- Reduces the chance of very slow or failed raids
It doesn’t “carry” raids, but it does make average groups more reliable.
Mega Altaria FAQ
Is Mega Altaria good in Pokémon GO?
Yes, but in a specific role.
- Strong in PvP limited cups
- Excellent raid support Mega
- Not a top-tier raid attacker
Is Mega Altaria worth raiding?
Yes, if you want:
- A flexible Mega for Dragon & Fairy teams
- A strong PvP option for cups
- A bulky defensive Pokémon
Not worth it if you only want:
- High DPS raid attacker
What is Mega Altaria weak against?
Key weaknesses:
- Steel (biggest threat)
- Poison
- Ice (neutral but dangerous offensively)
What are the best counters?
Top counters include:
- Metagross (Steel DPS + tanky)
- Mamoswine (highest Ice DPS)
- Excadrill (Steel damage + speed)
- Gengar (Poison burst damage)
Can Mega Altaria be soloed?
No, not realistically.
- Too bulky
- Time limit makes solo impossible for normal players
Minimum recommended:
- 3+ players for safe clear
What is the best moveset?
Best PvP & raid-support set:
- Fast Move: Dragon Breath
- Charged Moves: Sky Attack + Moonblast
This gives:
- Fast pressure
- Strong Fairy finishing power
Is Mega Altaria good in PvP?
Yes, especially in:
- Fantasy Cup
- Dragon Cup
- Love Cup
Strengths:
- Very bulky
- Rare Dragon/Fairy typing
Weakness:
- Struggles vs Steel types
What weather boosts Mega Altaria?
Weather effects:
- Windy → boosts Dragon moves
- Cloudy → boosts Fairy moves
What is Mega Altaria’s role in raids?
Benefits:
- Boosts Dragon-type allies
- Boosts Fairy-type allies
Best used when your team uses:
- Dragons (Rayquaza -type attackers)
- Fairy attackers (Gardevoir -type attackers)
Is Mega Altaria beginner-friendly?
Yes
- Easy to use in raids
- Simple PvP playstyle (tank + spam)
- No elite moves required
Pokédex Entry – Mega Altaria
Mega Altaria is the Mega Evolution of Altaria, transforming the Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon into a Dragon/Fairy-type form. This transformation enhances its mystical and defensive traits while giving it a more ethereal appearance.
- Original Pokémon: Altaria
- Type (Mega): Dragon / Fairy
- Category: Humming Pokémon
- Height: ~1.5 m (Mega form)
- Weight: ~20.6 kg
Design & Pokédex Description
In its Mega form, Altaria is surrounded by large, cloud-like wings made of soft, cotton-like feathers. These wings give it an almost floating, dreamlike appearance during battle.
- Its cloud wings shimmer with a faint fairy-like glow
- Its cry is often described as soft and melodic in nature
- The overall design emphasizes a calm, celestial aesthetic
Biological & Lore Features
Cloud Wings:
- Act as both flight support and a defensive energy barrier
- Give Mega Altaria its signature “floating cloud” appearance
Dragon + Fairy Transformation:
- Retains its original Dragon heritage
- Awakens Fairy energy after Mega Evolution
- Represents a rare balance between strength and purity
This combination makes it one of the more visually and thematically unique Mega Evolutions.
Battle Role (Lore Perspective)
Mega Altaria is generally portrayed as a guardian-like Pokémon rather than an aggressive attacker. It relies more on sustained energy and protective presence than brute force.
- Focuses on endurance-based combat style
- Uses wind and fairy energy-based attacks
- Often depicted as calm but highly resilient in battle
Evolution Line
- Swablu (Normal / Flying)
- Altaria (Dragon / Flying)
- Mega Altaria (Dragon / Fairy, temporary Mega Evolution)
Pokédex Insights
Mega Altaria stands out due to its rare type transition and symbolic design.
- Dragon represents power and resilience
- Fairy represents harmony and protection
- Together, they create a balanced and elegant Mega Evolution
Summary
- A cloud-winged Dragon/Fairy Pokémon with a serene design
- A defensive Mega Evolution focused on endurance and support
- One of the most visually distinctive Dragon/Fairy forms in Pokémon GO
How to Catch Mega Altaria Easily
Catching Altaria after a Mega raid is mostly about consistency rather than difficulty. Compared to legendary raid bosses, its catch rate is relatively forgiving, but poor timing or missed bonuses can still make it frustrating.
Use Golden Razz Berries
Golden Razz Berries are the most important part of the catch process. They significantly increase your chances and should be used for every throw until the Pokémon is caught.
- Best berry available for raid catches
- Stacked with other bonuses for maximum success rate
Aim for Excellent Throws
The key to consistent catches is timing your throws for the smallest target circle. Altaria has a moderately sized catch circle, making Excellent throws easier compared to many other raid bosses.
- Wait for the circle to shrink to Excellent range
- Aim for center hits instead of rushing throws
Use Curveball Throws
Curveball throws provide an additional catch bonus and should always be used in combination with berries and Excellent throws.
- Spin the ball before throwing
- Combine with Golden Razz + Excellent for best results
Time Your Throws Carefully
One of the most common mistakes is throwing while Altaria is in its attack animation. This often leads to missed throws.
- Wait for the attack animation to finish
- Throw immediately after it ends for better accuracy
Use the Circle Lock Technique
Circle locking helps improve consistency, especially for players aiming for Excellent throws.
- Hold the Poké Ball until the circle reaches ideal size
- Wait for the attack animation
- Release the throw with controlled timing
Weather Boost Considerations
Weather conditions can affect both CP and difficulty. Cloudy or Windy weather increases Altaria’s CP, which slightly raises catch difficulty, but does not change the core strategy.
- Windy weather: higher CP, slightly tougher catches
- Cloudy weather: boosts Fairy typing, similar effect on difficulty
- Strategy remains the same: berries + Excellent throws
Don’t Rush Premier Balls
After a raid, you will receive a limited number of Premier Balls based on performance. Taking your time is more effective than rushing throws.
- Typically 10–14+ balls depending on performance
- Focus on accuracy over speed
Catch Priority Checklist
| Step | Action | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Razz Berry | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Curveball throw | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Excellent aim | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | Wait for attack animation | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | Circle lock timing | ★★★★☆ |
Common Mistakes
- Rushing throws without waiting for animation
- Skipping Golden Razz Berries
- Missing Excellent throws repeatedly
- Not using curveball bonus
Common Raid Mistakes (Mega Altaria)
Here are the most common raid mistakes players make when fighting Mega Altaria, along with why they hurt performance and how to fix them.
Using Dragon-types as Counters
Mistake:
Players bring Dragon attackers thinking “Dragon vs Dragon = good DPS”
Why it’s bad:
- Mega Altaria has Fairy typing
- Fairy moves (especially Moonblast) deal super effective damage to Dragons
- Dragons get melted fast
Fix:
- Use Steel-types
- Use Ice-types
- Use Poison-types
Ignoring Steel-type Counters
Mistake:
Players over-focus on Ice only
Why it’s bad:
- Ice deals high damage but is too fragile
- Steel resists both Dragon Breath and Moonblast
Fix:
- Always include Steel attackers like Metagross-style Pokémon for stability
Not Dodging Charged Moves
Mistake:
Standing still and tanking everything
Why it’s bad:
- Moonblast deals heavy single-target damage
- Dazzling Gleam applies AoE pressure
Fix:
- Dodge charged moves, especially Moonblast
Using Auto-Select Teams
Mistake:
Letting the game pick your raid team
Why it’s bad:
- Includes neutral or weak Pokémon
- Poor type effectiveness
- Lower overall DPS
Fix:
- Manually build teams with Ice + Steel attackers only
No Mega Evolution in Party
Mistake:
Skipping Mega Pokémon entirely
Why it’s bad:
- No team damage boost
- Slower raid completion
Fix:
- Use Megas like Mega Gardevoir (Fairy boost)
- Mega Glalie (Ice boost)
- Mega Aggron (Steel support)
Poor Timing in Dodging
Mistake:
Dodging too early or too late
Why it’s bad:
- Early dodge wastes DPS time
- Late dodge takes full damage
Fix:
- Dodge only when attack animation triggers or charge bar flashes
Not Re-lobbying Quickly
Mistake:
Waiting too long after fainting
Why it’s bad:
- Significant DPS loss
Fix:
- Pre-select second team
- Rejoin immediately
Bringing Too Many Glass Cannons
Mistake:
Using full Ice teams with no balance
Why it’s bad:
- High DPS but constant fainting
- Lower total damage over time
Fix:
- Mix Steel (survivability) + Ice (burst damage)
Ignoring Weather Boost
Mistake:
Not adjusting counters based on weather
Why it’s bad:
- Weather can boost boss or your attackers
Fix:
- Snow → boosts Ice attackers (best for raids)
- Wind → dangerous (boosts Dragon moves)
Low-Level Pokémon Usage
Mistake:
Using underpowered counters
Why it’s bad:
- Correct typing is not enough without CP and levels
Fix:
- Use Pokémon at level 30+
- Fully evolved raid-viable attackers
- Avoid low CP or unevolved Pokémon
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